Diesel (Aces MC Series Book 1) (11 page)

Harlow

We stood in the middle of forty acres of beautiful grounds
at the Chingford Mount Cemetery, in the pouring rain watching Jimmy’s coffin
being lowered into the ground. As I watched, I felt guilty that I survived and was
standing here, holding the hand of the man I loved. Diesel must have seen the
anguish on my face and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. 

As far as funerals went, it was a nice peaceful service. The
club had used a new local florist in the high street. Keira, the lady who owned
the shop was talented. She’d made a Harley out of flowers which looked
fantastic. When things were back to normal, I planned on paying her a visit to
thank her.

His parents declined to attend, fucking idiots. He may not
have had his biological family here but his true family were and they’d come
from different charters to pay their respect. There was a huge party planned at
the club house tonight in honour of Jimmy and some of the old ladies had stayed
behind to get everything ready.

Diesel held my hand tight as we walked back to his van. I
still couldn’t ride on a bike due to my cast which was frustrating. He’d been
looking at me strangely all day, like he wanted to get something off his chest.
I stopped walking, loosening my hand from his grasp. “For fucks sake Diesel,
are you gonna tell me what’s going on? You’re doing my head in.” He couldn’t
look me in the eye which I found unnerving.

I followed his stare towards a group of the guy’s mounting
their bikes in the car park and saw that Duke was on his way over, slowly
walking around the graves out of respect.

“Ink” Duke said with a nod. “Has he asked you yet?” I looked
slowly between Duke and Diesel. “Asked me what?” Diesel continued to look
everywhere but directly at me. I shrugged my shoulders looking at Duke. “We
have Patch in a safe house. Do you want to be present when he meets his maker?”
I could feel the anguish and excitement building inside me. “It’s a very
fitting day Duke. I’d love to accompany you.” I stated, walking towards
Diesel’s van not looking back when I heard Dukes laughter.

We rode in unison for thirty minutes to an old farm house in
the middle of a field off the beaten track. Diesel’s worried expression touched
my heart, “Are you ready for this babe?” I just smiled following CJ, Locke,
Duke and Bear into the derelict building.

Patch was bound and gagged, lying on the dirty floor in the
middle of the room. “It’s a shame you’re not naked.” I said kicking him in the
groin. Bear picked him up, throwing him into the chair that was positioned in
the middle of the room. Visions of my ordeal sprang to mind. I could see the
fear on his face and remembered the feeling of terror. I shook my head not
wanting to remember or start to feel sorry for this piece of shit. Bear tied
him to the chair securely.

“What are you going to do to him?” I asked genuinely interested.
“That depends on you Ink. Do you want to watch or participate?” Duke asked
holding up his hand to stop Diesel from talking. I took the knife from my belt
that Diesel had given me after the second attack and studied it glistening in
my hand. I slowly walked towards Patch tapping the blade against my right
thigh.

Bending down between his legs, I could see the anguish on
his face. “It doesn’t matter to me, if you die now or later babe.” I said
throwing his words back at him. I pulled the blade up and thrust it down fast
into his right leg. Patch let out a loud scream. I quickly pulled it out and
stuck the knife into his other leg. He thrashed about in the chair as pain radiated
off him. Bear held him firmly as I wiped the blade on his leg and returned it
to its sleeve.

I turned and walked back into Diesel’s arms, looking over to
Duke I simply said, “Thank you, he’s all yours now.” Duke nodded then closed in
on Patch. Diesel put his arm around my shoulder and led me from the building to
the sound of Patches screams. By the time we were ready to leave the screaming
had stopped and I assumed he was dead. “Please tell me you’re okay Ink.” I
smiled at the beautiful alpha male beside me. “I am now Diesel, thank you.”

Harlow

6 weeks later

“Right, that’s it.” Doc said taking the cast off of my arm.
I moved it in a circular motion. It felt strange having the cast off but I was
relieved. “Thank you for all of your help over recent weeks. I will be sorry to
see you go.” I gave Doc a cuddle showing my appreciation. He started to pack
his equipment into his bags but sensed my apprehension. Looking at me
attentively, “Is there anything else Harlow?” I stood there biting my lip,
swinging my leg back and forth nervously. “Erm…I’ve not been feeling well
lately and my period is late.” He casually reached into his black medical bag
and looked around the infirmary for a plastic container. “If you give me a
urine sample, I can do the simple test.” Doc stated, handing me the small
container.

I returned from the bathroom handing Doc the plastic
container almost embarrassed. He stuck the dipstick into the urine and we
watched the liquid travel up the strip. I stood and started to pace the room
unable to watch it any longer. Doc took the strip out of the urine and placed it
on a paper towel waiting for the results. “Congratulations Harlow. You’re
pregnant.”

Doc and I walked into the bar together. Diesel came
strutting over to me and took me in a bear hug, kissing me passionately on the
lips. I wrapped both arms around him caressing the back of his neck and ran my
fingers through his hair. “I can’t wait to get you home babe.” Diesel said
lifting me up so that I could wrap my legs around his waist. “How’s your arm
feeling?” I continued to caress him, running both hands up and down his neck
and upper back as he kissed me. “Does that answer your question?” We started
laughing between kisses.

He put me down and I wobbled slightly feeling a little
uneasy on my feet. “Did you speak to Doc about that Ink?” I looked over at Doc
as he winked at me. I reached for my tummy stroking it up and down. I turned to
gaze at the beautiful man in front of me, giving him the biggest smile I could
muster. He opened his mouth wide gawking at me. “Does this mean what I think it
means Ink?” Diesel grasped my cheeks in both of his hands looking directly into
my eyes. They started to fill with tears, happy tears. He kissed me
passionately again. “Thank you Ink. Thank you for making me the happiest man
alive.”

Please enjoy a preview of Book 2 from the Aces MC Series,
which will be available in April 2015.

Chapter 1

Taylor

“That’s it, all finished.” I stepped back placing my hands
on my hips looking at the salon, admiring my handy work. I thought about the blood,
sweat and tears, that I’d put into this salon over the past eight weeks and I
was proud of what I’d achieved. “Taylor, where are these flowers going honey?”
My aunt asked walking around the salon with a vase full of white Lilies.

My aunt was a fantastic lady. She’d given up everything to
move to England thirty years ago when she emigrated from America with my uncle.
They were the strongest, closet couple I’d ever met, up until my uncle’s death
earlier this year.

My aunt and uncle couldn’t have children, so they gave me
extra attention and we become very close. I frequently visited them and started
to fall in love with England and everything English. My uncle had left me a
large sum of money in his will, and that’s when I made the decision to
immigrate to England and look after my ageing aunt. I’d been working as a hair
stylist in New York for the past six years and after my last bad relationship,
I decided that it was the right time for me to go it alone and open my own hair
salon.

I had to rein in my aunt’s creative flair, who loves anything
tacky. I wanted to achieve a shabby chic feel to the salon, attracting a classier
clientele. I hung purple drapes from the ceiling and added a huge chandelier as
a centre piece. The white leather sofas added to the welcoming feel of the
reception area and I accessorised using different shades of purples.

“On the reception desk please Alice.” I thought that the
flowers would look lovely positioned on the high reception desk, as they could be
seen from the entrance. My aunt let out a sigh looking at her watch, “It’s
getting late honey, let’s call it a night and go and get some food.” My stomach
had been rumbling for the past hour but I wanted to get the last of my jobs
done before I went home.

I was looking forward to the grand opening but I was also
apprehensive. What if no one turned up? I would be absolutely devastated. I had
been canvassing hard over the past four weeks. I’d advertised in the local
paper, distributed leaflets and my aunt had let all of her friends know,
although I didn’t want all of my clients to be over the age of seventy!

I walked around the salon, making sure everything electrical
was turned off, making a mental note to bring in the new kettle tomorrow. The
English loved a cup of tea! We left the building turning off the lights and
bolting the door. I stood back looking at the shop from across the street.
“Uncle Ron would have been so proud of you honey.” I wrapped my arm around
Alice’s shoulders pulling her in for a cuddle as we stood there admiring the
shiny purple sign that read ‘Elite Hair Styling’.

I got to the salon an hour early, to make sure I was ready
for the grand opening. My new assistant was starting this morning. Chanel was a
lively local teenager and had impressed me at her interview so much that I’d
taken her on as an apprentice. She would work in the salon learning her trade
but would go to college one day a week.

I unpacked the kettle and put it in the kitchenette along with
the other new appliances I’d bought. I heard the chime on the door. Looking at
my watch I could see that it was still early. I walked into the salon to see
Chanel looking fantastic in the black uniform I’d provided her. “Morning
Chanel.” She was hanging her coat in the cupboard that we would be using for
customers clothing. She turned when she heard my voice, “Morning Taylor. Is everything
set? I thought I’d get here a little earlier to help you out.” Thank God I’d
taken on this young lady. I was a little concerned at first because of her age
but she was keen and had a willingness to learn. “Could you please put the
helium balloons outside and turn the sign to open, then I think we are ready
for our first customer.”

Savannah was a striking blond, blue eyed beauty with a fully
figure. She bounced into the salon oozing confidence in a pair of jeans, heels
and an amazing top that looked like a high end fashion piece. I watched Chanel
offer her a drink, where she accepted iced water. She then led her over to the
wash basins where she washed her hair with shampoo and then conditioner. I was
like a proud momma bear watching her baby cub.

“Hi Savannah, please take a seat. What are we doing for you
today?” I asked putting a towel around her shoulders. “I want a change. I’m
bored with this.” She said grabbing her hair and fluffing it with both hands.
Savannah showed me a magazine clipping, “I kinda like this.” She said pointing
to the top right image. Well that was doable and the style would suit her oval
shaped face.

I worked my magic for the next hour and finally set her hair
with a light hairspray. “What do you think?” I asked nervously. Savannah
swivelled the chair from side to side looking at her hair from all angles in
the salon mirror. “I fucking love it.” She said proudly standing from the chair
flinging her hair around. 

I was a little taken aback by her language but was pleased
that she appreciated my hard work. “The guys are going to go wild for me this
evening, which means more tips.” She said with a wink. “Have you got any fliers
or business cards that I can hand out to the other girls?” She asked digging
into her bag trying to find her car keys. Chanel grabbed a small handful of
business cards that I’d strategically placed on the reception desk. “Well,
thank you ladies and I’ll be seeing you very soon.” She handed Chanel a handful
of notes and left with a spring in her step.

Chanel opened the crumpled notes and calculated that she had
over paid by £45. Looking up at me she mouthed, “WOW!” I smiled hoping that
this was the start of something really special.

Duke

I’d had a busy day at the garage and needed a little light
relief at the strip club. “Right we’re done for the day lads. Let’s go over to the
Bird Cage for a few drinks and entertainment.” I threw down my tools and wiped
my hands on the nearest rag. Bear started ribbing Diesel about this afternoon’s
antics with Ink which I’d found amusing. Diesel had fallen for her hard. Don’t
get me wrong I liked her but women came with drama and I had no room for drama
in my life. I joined the conversation sniggering, “Leave the poor girl alone.
She probably needs to rest before round two.” Patting Diesel on the back, I
slowly directed him out of the garage. “Okay, Okay!” He shouted, “Alright, I’ll
go for one drink.” He was most certainly pussy whipped!

The club was busier than normal. We sat down at our usual
spot and a bottle of Jack was placed on the table along with 6 glasses. As the
Aces owned the joint we didn’t ever pay but one rule I had insisted on, was
that the Brothers would tip the girls who work here. They weren’t doing it for
free. “Let me know if you want anything else guy’s.” Yasmin said walking off
swinging her hips. I smiled knowing exactly what she meant. I’d been with
Yasmin a few times when I came to the club looking for a little relief. All the
girls here, knew I wasn’t looking for anything serious but that didn’t mean we
couldn’t have some fun. Something caught my eye up on stage. I turned to see
Savannah performing to a new routine. God that girl was fucking beautiful. Had
she done something different to her hair? Fucking hell I was a dick to notice a
thing like that, I started to shake my head, pissed with myself for going soft.

Diesel was in turmoil trying to get hold of Ink and Jimmy.
He was up and down like a fucking yoyo and doing my head in. Drama! “Hi
handsome.” Savannah said slipping into the chair to the right of me with her
trade mark iced water. “Did you like my new routine?” She asked sipping her
water through a straw, wanting to hear my honest opinion. “Fucking hot babe!” I
put my arm around the back of her chair and played with a piece of her hair.
“This looks good too.” Savannah turned slightly looking at me with those
beautiful blue eyes. “I wanted to talk to you about that.” I stopped playing
with her hair and picked up the bottle of Jack pouring myself another drink.

“A new salon has opened in the high street. The woman is
fantastic and just moved here from New York.” She took a quick sip of her
drink. “She’s looking for business. I thought we could recommend her to the
girls at the club. Maybe get her to give some of the rattier ones a makeover.”
I started to laugh. Savannah always had a way with words. I rubbed my chin
contemplating what she’d just said. “Text me her address, I’ll go and check her
out later in the week.”

Savannah stood and leaned over placing a kiss on my cheek.
“Thank you Duke. I’m on again in an hour. Are you sticking around?” We both
turned round looking at the noise Diesel had made coming through the doors. I
raised my arms towards Diesel and shrugged. “I’ll leave you to it.” She said
sauntering off into the throng of people.

Taylor

I’d now been open for a week and business was going well. I’d
hired a new stylist to keep up with the demand and was contemplating extending
the beauty side of the business because of the requests over the past week. I’d
researched well. There were other hair salons in the area but not high end and
the lack of beauty therapy businesses in the area would give me room to expand
and grow as a business.

“How’s it going honey?” I turned to see my aunt and her two
partners in crime entering the salon. “Very well Alice. What do I owe this
pleasure?” I said walking over to her and placing a kiss on her cheek.

My aunt stood there in her M&S brown suede coat with a
lighter brown assortment of gloves, scarf and hat. It was early September so it
wasn’t particularly cold but since my uncle had died of pneumonia earlier on in
the year, my aunt took it upon herself to promote a good healthy life style and
would do everything in her power to not catch a cold. It looked like her
friends had been to the same clothes shop too which made me giggle.

My aunt looked at me puzzled, “What’s funny Taylor?” I shook
my head from side to side. “Nothing at all Alice. You were about to tell me why
you were here?” I shot them a questioning look. “Oh yes honey. We wanted to
invite you out to lunch. You’ve been working so hard lately that we thought you
deserved a break.” The three of them turned to each other nodding their heads
in agreement. They meant well and it made my heart swell inside my chest
knowing that they cared.

“I can’t Alice, I have a customer in fifteen minutes so I was
just going to grab a slice of toast.” Alice scoffed and the other ladies
started laughing. I folded my arms across my chest in defence looking at the
three of them in mock disgust. They had obviously discussed my inability to
cook anything. “And what do you mean by that?” I said with a smirk on my face.
“Look honey, you are a very talented hair stylist but you’ll never be Delia Smith.”
My aunt said placing her hand on my upper arm in sympathy. I shooed the ladies
out of the salon. “That’s why I’m just having toast.”

Duke

I pulled up outside the Salon after getting the address from
Savannah. It had been a hectic week after the kidnapping of Ink and the death of
Jimmy. It sounds harsh but things had to start getting back to normal and I was
concentrating heavily on making my legitimate businesses more successful so
that we could pull out totally of all the illegal shit and get the authorities
off our backs.

The salon looked classy in comparison to other
establishments around the area. I took off my helmet and walked slowly to the
salon taking in my surroundings. If I was going to invite this woman into my
business, I wanted to find out as much about her as possible and CJ was doing
an extensive background check. We had learnt the hard way with Ink.

I walked through the door noticing the elegant decor and
minimalist feel to the furnishings, similar to my tastes. I was greeted by a
young girl of around sixteen years old. Her smile was infectious and I was
surprised that she didn’t feel threatened by what I represented. If she was a
local girl, she would’ve heard of the Aces. I read her name badge. “Hello
Chanel. Is the manager around?” She looked me up and down, chewing on her pen.
Was she flirting with me? At thirty-five I was old enough to be her fucking dad.
“Would you please take a seat and I’ll see if she’s available.” Chanel said
walking off into the back.

She came back a couple of minutes later. Chanel looked
uneasy and wasn’t portraying her earlier confidence. “She’s currently busy, are
you able to come back or leave your mobile number so that she can contact you?”
I got up out of my chair and stalked over to the reception desk where Chanel
stood behind, giving herself a barrier between us. “Where is she?” I asked not
taking my eyes off of hers. Chanel swallowed hard and then pointed in the
direction that she had just come from, through the curtain at the back of the
room. I nodded at the now nervous Chanel, “Thank you.”